TACLOBAN City. Many high schools students are no longer quitting schools.

This to include students in Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) which has 127 high schools with no report of drop-outs because of various interventions under the Drop-out Reduction Program (DORP) of the department.

Eastern Visayas came second to CARAGA where some 187 high schools recorded no incidence of drop-out.

GAHUM WEEKLY learned this in an interview with Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Armin Luistro

To date, already 46,000 students have been

From the barangay homefront to the world www.gahumweekly.com

by Melchor Caspe

TACLOBAN City. High school students having potential to excel in sports will be subsidized by the Department of Education.

Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Armin Luistro told GAHUM WEEKLY in an interview.

Luistro said, on top of their regular maintenance and other operating expenses for school year 2011-2012, the 17 secondary expansion schools implementing the Special Program in Sports (SPS) are granted a maximum of P500,000 subsidy for effective delivery of

continued on page 6

Now with equipment and fleets for marine protectionDeputy Speaker Daza commends NSamar's fight against illegal fishing p2

Zero drop-outs seen in EV,other schools nationwide

p7

For fisherman's safety trainingGuiuan forges ties with National Maritime Polytechnic p3

p3

continued on page 6

Nov14-20,2011Vol. 2No. 25P10.00

Philippines. Filipinos already predicted on the ‘global appeal’ of Ms. Gwendoline Ruais when the latter was named Ms. World-Philippines 2011 during the coronation night last September 18 at PICC-Manila.

On Sunday (Nov. 6), Ms. Ruais’ destiny for global greatness was sealed completely.

The judges bestowed her the crown as 1st runner-up during the ever-regaled Miss World 2011 beauty pageant at Earls Court, in London, United Kingdom.

This 21-year old Filipino-French, towering at 5’11.5” with vital Statistics of 36.5-26-37.5, hails from Muntinlupa City.

During the awarding night, Ruais then offered her crown to her parents and Filipino kababayan.

“I only wanted to give honor to the Philippines…I hope that Filipinos would be proud and happy for my achievement in this competition.”

Declared Miss World 2011 however was the 22-year old Miss Venezuela Ivian Sarcos, while Ms. Puerto Rico Amanda Perez came third.

Around 113 equally beautiful and talented ladies from across the globe vied for the major awards.

Also, it was estimated that more

by Inka Sanchez

saved from dropping out and the number continues to increase as reports come in from the regions, according to Luistro.

Also nearly 2,000 schools nationwide have registered a zero drop-out rate compared to last year’s numbers totaling to 56 secondary schools.

"Schools with zero drop-out rate increase by 3,000%."

In a press statement, DepEd has attributed this remarkable record to its intensified campaign and continuous interventions to reduce the number of high school students quitting school.

Sec. Luistro further said the program is effective because the alternative delivery mode for students who are at risk of dropping out (SARDO) is being

tailored fit to meet the learners’ unique educational requirement.

“We first check the SARDOs circumstances, then come up with alternatives that respond to their specific learning needs,” he added.

DepEd records show that the DORP has contributed to the remarkable accomplishment, reducing the high school dropout rate from 12.51% in 2005-2006 to 7.95% in SY 09-10.

“There are many learners who face difficult social and economic situations and they too need government intervention. This is part of our mandate to make education inclusive and accessible to all Filipino learners.”

DepEd allocates addt’lsubsidy for sports

by Melchor Caspe

continued on page 6

Sacred Heart Seminary Batch87/91Still hold record number of priests produced

A mixture of sun and clouds. Warm.

Hottest: 30.556°C (Monday, Nov.14)Coolest:23.889ºC (Tuesday, Nov. 15)

US USD 42.957000EU EURO 59.17760Japan YEN 0.550500Bahrain DINAR 113.947300

BSP as of November 9, 2011

Country Currency Phil. Peso

Copra (kg) Php 28.00Refined Sugar(kg) Php 46.00NFA Rice (kg) Php 29.00Oil (barrel) USD 115.00Gold (troy oz.) USD 1,792.23

A Filipina shines (again) in world stage

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PARAISO. Children make a dumpsite in Carigara, Leyte

their own private playground amidst the garbage and

refuse scattered all around. (Photo by Mel Caspe)

SPORTS-MINDED. Leyte Governor Jericho L. Petilla during the 2011 Leyte Athletic Meet at Alang-alang, Leyte. (Photo by Mel Caspe)

2 3NewsNews2

TACLOBAN City. Reproductive Health (RH) advocates in the region will mark Nov. 15 as ' Purple Ribbon' Day in support of their call for the immediate passage of RH Bill in Congress.

GAHUM WEEKLY learned this from Population Commission (POPCOM)-Region 8 Director Leo Rama.

Three major activities will be staged in the city for the said event.

First is the motorcade around Tacloban at 4:00PM.

The motorcade will start at RTR Plaza, then passing through the city’s main districts and thereafter to the Maritime Polytechnic Circle at the foot of the San Juanico Bridge for the short program at 5:30PM.

The third will be the symbolic candle-lighting and the releasing of 'wishing balloons' at 6:00PM.

Around 1,500 participants to include Leyte Vice Governor Mimyet Bagulaya are expected to join the said event.

Staunch RH advocate and showbiz personality Boy Abunda and Dr. Alberto Quasi Romualdez are also expected to grace the event as guest speakers.

To read statements of support are representatives from the labor, youth, women¸ Mr. GAD, Senior Citizen, farmer and fisher folks sectors.

The reading of declaration of commitment will also coincide with the lighting of purple candles to sustain the advocacy for the enactment of the RH Bill.

It was learned from Dir. Rama that sponsoring the event is the Philippine Legislators Committee on Population and Development.

Dir.Rama called on all participants to wear purple or white T-shirts during the said day. (Melchor Caspe with reposrts from PIA)

3

Guiuan forges ties with NMP, other maritime agencies for fishermen’s safety training

Typhoid fever outbreak declared in 5 Leyte towns

Deputy Speaker Daza commends N. Samar fight against illegal fishing CATARMAN, Northern Samar. The Deputy Speaker has expressed his commendation for the efforts being made by the provincial government of this province in the fight against illegal fishing.

Deputy Speaker Raul Daza (Representative first district, N. Samar) said during press conference here that, the efforts of the provincial government in the fight against the illegal fishing in the province of Northern Samar is commendable and his office is extending all out support to stamp out the illegal activities.

Speaker Daza disclosed that the efforts of the provincial government to stop the illegal fishing in the province has been complemented by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) with the release

recently of 11 patrol boats.

D a z a f u r t h e r d i s c l o s e d that BFAR A s s i s t a n t N a t i o n a l Director for T e c h n i c a l Services Gil Adora and R e g i o n a l Director Juan Albaladejo has turned over the patrol boats to the office of Governor Paul Daza equipped with underwater cameras, life jackets, rain coats, geographic positioning systems (GPS), and megaphones, to help the fishery law enforcement teams in the recipient towns in their sea borne patrols in their respective area of

November 14-20, 2011 November 14-20, 2011

BORONgAN, Eastern Samar. Many people of this town are complaining with the turbid water that comes out from their faucets as the rainy days are in now. In like manner when there is no rain for several days many areas of this city have no water coming out from their faucets.

Atty. Socrates Alar, Jr., Borongan Water District (BWD) general manager admitted in an interview that this city is experiencing a water crisis.

“The water crisis in the city is getting worse and the problem is there both summer time or in rainy days. There are many areas in this city where there is no water during sunny days and in rainy days the water becomes polluted,” complained one resident.

Alar disclosed during the interview that the primary cause of the water crisis of this city is the destruction of the forests where the Maybito Spring is located which is upstream of Can-abong district more or less 10 kilometers from the town proper.

He explained that during summer the Maybito Spring which supplies water to BWD cannot supply the needed water of the consumers of the city as the water level drops to to its lowest level. On the other hand, Alar added, in times when there are heavy rains the water becomes polluted.

Alar also disclosed that at the start of the BWD operation 1984, Maybito spring had the discharge of 35 liters per second more than enough to supply the needed water by the people of this city.

He added that with the destruction of the 15,000 hectares Linal-an forests which covers Siha, Suribao and San Gabriel, the Maybito Spring water discharged went down to its lowest level of 2.5 liters per second.

He also added, the destruction of Linal-an greatly affects the quality of water during rainy days because the silt, debris and other impurities that cause water pollution are being carried down from the upstream of denuded portions of Linal-an forests to the Maybito Spring.

Alar further disclosed that in the late 1980’s to the early 1990’s when settlers, kaingeros and timber poachers started to cut trees and made clearings in Linal-an forests were noticed, BWD and other concerned groups of Borongan started to campaign to save Linal-an and declare the forests as a watershed and a protected area and have the legal basis to stop the activities of the settlers and kaingeros in makings forests clearings in the area and also run after the timber poachers who are cutting the trees illegally.

BWD and the concerned groups of Borongan has already prepared the necessary papers for the declaration of Linal-an forests as a watershed and a protected area during the time of the then President Joseph Estrada, and the decree was due for signature, however the declaration was never signed.

From then, the efforts for the

Nov. 15 is 'Purple Ribbon' Day for RH advocates

TACLOBAN City. No less than Department of Health (DOH) Regional director Edgardo Gonzaga has confirmed on the outbreak of typhoid fever in five towns in Leyte 2nd district.

The towns include Carigara, Capoocan, Barugo, Tunga and Jaro.

As of press time, the number of patients has already reached 200, where most of them are confined at Carigara District Hospital (CDH) while others are being referred in various hospitals in Tacloban city.

In a phone interview with Dr. Ma. Cristina Ordoña of CDH, she said that patients suspected with typhoid

fever have already received initial medications.

“Our hospital is already loaded with patients. Because we are lacking of medicines, we then referred some of them to EVRMC or at Leyte Provincial Hospital for confirmatory examination and laboratory tests.”

On Nov. 6, DOH officials visited the said hospital and gave medicines to the patients.

In a separate report, it was learned that water resource in said towns has caused the outbreak.

GAHUM WEEKLY has learned that the five towns get their water source at Metro Carigara Water

District (MCWD).Meanwhile, DOH officials

reminded the public to boil their water before drinking. They can also use bottled water or use waterine/chlorine.

Also people should observe cleanliness in their environment, proper hygiene and food preparation, this to include being extra-careful in buying street foods.

According to DOH, symptoms of typhoid fever include prolonged chilling or high fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting, among others.

If left unattended, said fever is life-threatening. (Inka Sanchez)

gUIUAN, Eastern Samar. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was recently signed between the local government of Guiuan and National Maritime Polytechnic along with MARINA and Philippine Coast Guard for the conduct of Basic Safety Training for the fishermen and motorboat handlers/operators in Guiuan.

Representing LGU-Guiuan was Vice Mayor Rogelio O. Cablao, and Executive Director Josephus Jimenez

for NMP, with MARINA Regional Director Manuel Portus, and SCPO Melchor Revadulia, Station Commander of the Philippine Coast Guard-Tacloban city.

Accordingly, the said training is part of the NMP course offerings which presently caters to the constituents of the neighboring towns of the region in support to the government’s program on poverty-free zone area particularly whose means of livelihood depend on the

country’s vast oceans and seas. It was learned from Dir. Jimenez

that the training being a collaborative initiative covers three days and is conducted for free.

“It is conducted based on the request of the recipients on a mutually agreed schedule.”

Covering the training is enhancement of the basic safety at sea skills of small scale motorboat handlers/operators and fishermen.

Also, the prescribed and enforced

PARAISO. Children make a dumpsite in Carigara, Leyte their own private playground amidst the garbage and refuse scattered all around. (Photo by Mel Caspe)

operations.Daza also disclosed that the

provincial government in turn released the patrol boats to the local government units of Allen, Bobon, Catarman, Lapinig, Mondragon, Victoria, San Isidro, San Jose and San Vicente, to upgrade and help the fishery law enforcement teams

(FLETs) in the respective towns and functions efficiently and effectively in the figth against the illegal fishing in the area, Daza added.

Daza informed reporters that the memorandum of agreement signed between Governor Paul Daza and the mayors of the recipient towns stipulated that the recipient LGUs will maintain the said patrol boats.

Daza further informed reporters that after the simple turn-over ceremony of the patrol boats in Bobon town, a seminar followed for the FLET members of the recipient municipalities with topics on how to identify illegally caught fish, sea borne operation, coastal resources management, fishery programs and law enforcement issues, municipal water boundary disputes, among others. (Restituto A. Cayubit)

Visayas Youth meets at Naval Diocese

NAVAL, Biliran. The Commission on Youth of the Diocese of Naval hosted a Regional Youth Forum, dubbed as “Love Rocks!” held last October 29, 2011, at the Naval Gymnasium, which gathered a total of 951 participants.

Attendees were composed of young people from 12 parishes and three youth organizations from Diocese of Naval and from the regional youth coordinating councils of the Archdioceses of Cebu and Palo and the Dioceses of Catarman, Calbayog, Borongan, Maasin, Dumaguete, Tagbiliran and Talibon.

The said youth forum aims to provide a venue for young people to gather and share their personal experiences and insight and enriched by a renewed commitment of becoming effective agents of change in the church, in the family and in the community as a whole.

“In behalf of the region, of the host diocese and the diocesan clergy of Naval, we are happy gathered here as part of our solidarity in celebrating one of the highlights of the CBCP Year of the Youth,” Fr. Cornelio Amante Jr., regional youth director of the Central and Eastern Visayas region said in the welcome remarks.

A mass celebrated by Fr. Marvyn Maceda, the vicar-general of the host diocese, ended the whole activity. “The youth must know how to value faith when it comes to love and also to have faith in God in everything that an individual must do,” Fr. Maceda said during his homily. (Avin Carl Cruzada)

rules and regulations governing water transportation to provide fishermen understanding on the economical, safe and efficient shipment of commodities and people at sea.

Meanwhile, Toti C. Stephens, Peace Corps Volunteer in Guiuan stressed the training is important in said town considering its being seaside municipality and with fishing as its top income resources. (Mel Caspe with reports from PIA)

Borongan people complain of water

crisis

continued on page 6

Borongan to revive Christmas light festivalBORONgAN City. This city will once again revive the Christmas light festival this year, thanks to Mayor Fe Abunda.

This according to city administrator Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, Sr.

The said yearly activity which made Borongan a Christmas tourist destination was stopped in previous years by the former administration.

"We are going to institutionalize this yearly event in City of Borongan, because this provided attraction to the people which is one of a kind in the province of Eastern Samar."

"We just don’t know why the previous administration had stopped this activity, but in this new administration this is one of the projects that we are looking forward because this has a positive effect for the City of Borongan," Agda said.

Meanwhile, Ms. Cora Basada, Chairman of Task Force Turismo and Information officer said that aside from a good promotional strategy on tourism, the said event will also provide additional livelihood to the town folks of Borongan who will engage in food and refreshment business when

visitors will be arriving.The deadline for submission of

entries for the Christmas tree and parol making contest for every interested barangay, groups, organization or individuals is set on December 1.

The simultaneous lightning of said Christmas decoration will be on December 3.

Cash prizes amounting to P100,000 will be given to the winners.

Aside from reviving the said light festival, Basada added that they will have a competition for the most beautiful decorations to attract

private individuals in going to the said activity.

"By involving private citizens in the Christmas Light Festival event, this will make it more extravagant and attractive," Basada said.

However it does not mean that the city government of Borongan will shoulder all the expenses for the event, the barangay council will also need to have a contribution by allocating certain amount from their barangay fund for their expenses in making decorations, Basada explained. (Mel Caspe)

E. Samar home of the largest unfragmented old growth forest, rich biodiversity - SINP

BORONgAN City. Eastern Samar is home to the largest unfragmented old growth forest and rich biodiversity, according to Angelito Villanueva of the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) during the closing ceremonies of the First Visayan Outdoor Festival (EVOF) held in Borongan City from November 3-5, 2011.

He was referring to the Borongan-Llorente closed canopy forest sitting on a 24 thousand hectares of old growth forest.

This encompasses the four

towns of Borongan, Maydolong, Balangkayan and Llorente.

“Here lies in your midst the biggest and richest ecosystem,” Jeanette Garcia from the SINP added.

The 24 hectare-closed canopy forest is worth P41 B, said another official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“This is one of the advocacies of the EVOF, to try to preserve and conserve this remaining

bio-diversity, which I think is the remaining forest frontier,” Villanueva told listeners of Radyo ng Bayan-DYES.

The outdoor enthusiasts urged Eastern Samarenos to preserve the remaining lowland old growth forest for there is no other are like it.

The group also frowns on the planned Maydolong-Basey road as this surely will disturb the eco-system, according to Villanueva.

Presently though, the group is happier that the SINP legislation is

now pending in Congress and that Eastern Visayas congressmen have pledged to support it.

The EVOF is against all forms of mining and logging and pushes for eco-tourism.

“If Bohol has tarsier, Davao has the monkey-eating eagle, Samar has both,” the founder of the Save the Earth Movement said.

The tarsier and the eagle are at home in the Borongan –Llorente Close Canopy Forest.(Ninfa B. Quirante)

SIMPLE PLEASURES. A man climbs a coconut tree in Sulangan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar (left) and enjoys the fruit of his harvest (right). (Photo by Mel Caspe)

4 5Opinion Opinion4 5

Making MarksAn Editorial

The government succeeded in bolstering the doubt of some people about its sincerity when it did not allocate a budget for the GRP –NDF peace talks.

According to a October 23, 2011 (Sunday) Philippine Star News report, from the 569.64 M approved budget for the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace Process(OPAPP) for 2012, P 329M is allotted for the counter insurgency program under Payapa at Masaganang Mamamayan project(PAMANA).

P100,000 M for the GOVT-MILF Peace Talks.. No budget for the Govt-NDF PeaceTalks.

From the PAMANA, P300,000 is budgeted for each of the 970 bgys identified as e controlled/ influenced by the CPP/NPA/NDF. PAMANA is the flagship program for peace and development in 218 municipalities in 43 povinces. affected by armed conflict.

The zero budget for the GRP-NDFP TALKS can be seen as a failure of nerve on the part of the Aquino administration to displease its key supporters in the process of ending the armed conflict by addressing the roots of poverty. Specifically fear to discuss genuine agrarian reform or even more specifically ,Hacienda Luisita in the peace talks.

It can be recalled that the NDF has announced that its aim in the peace talks is basically the same as its aims for engaging

Failure to walk the talk/constricted opportunity

WritersInka Sanchez, Medora B.Quirante,

Restituto A. Cayubit, Avin Carl Cruzada

www.gahumweekly.com

Business Address:Barangay Tres, Guiuan, Eastern Samar 6809

E-mail Address:gahumweekly@gmail.com

Feature articles and columns contained herein are opinions of the contributing writers and columnists and are not necesarilly of the editorial team and the publisher. All materials within the

newspaper are property of the publisher.No part of this newspaper may be reproduced, in part or in

whole, without written permission from the publisher.

Gahum Weekly is printed by Tres Niñas Printing Press, Tacloban City and operates under DTI TRN 2906440.

© Copyright 2011

Aaron J.P. AlmadroEditor-in-Chief& Art Director

Eden Benusa-ReyesManaging Editor

J. Colima BajadoWaray/Cultural Editor

Melchor Caspe, Leo DumonStaff Writers

Jojo NobleIllustrator

Leon O. Ty TrustPublisher

Jon Facundo DeeBusiness Manager

Michael Ty Sumayod, Mel CaspeArea Circulation Managers

Leo DumonArea Account Executive

ColumnistsJenelyn Garcia, Bert Ada,

Atty. Djhoana Antoni-Clemencio,J. Colima Bajado, Gerry B. de Cadiz

Just recently the Department of Tourism with other national agencies have found the need to create a brand for the Philippines—one unique driving

proposition that would differentiate us from the rest of the world. We have found difficulties in doing such that, with academics pushing the debate on “What is the Philippines?”, “What is it to be a Filipino?”, and “Does the Filipino have a culture?”, not to mention the tourism slogan fiasco, “Pilipinas Kay Ganda.”

We have always found it hard to agree on a common goal and common ground. By creating a single goal, or a tagline, all of us will be able to push the Philippines forward, in unison, not in varied directions as we are doing now.

But on a local level, branding has never been a problem with our local leaders. The brand they have created for their jurisdiction is always—themselves. Every project, construction and wall is plastered with their faces and names, screaming of attention.

Aggressive marketing some might say, but the passion and principle behind it is improper—a nearsighted vision that only lasts until the next election.

Senator Francis G. Escudero is introducing “An act declaring as unlawful any government projects to be named or identified after government officials and other persons whose name or identity may in any manner be associated with said officials”.

If this were approved, we will now see cleaner streets, less political billboards scattered around our country, and even more unique advertising practices our local politicians will employ.

Maybe then, the energies and resources used by these politicians may be used for even better reasons—finally branding their local jurisdictions, other than their names.

in armed struggle. To end armed struggle without attaining what it fought for is to end up like Aguinaldo, considered a non-hero or even a traitor to the people by mainstream people in the Philippine left .

The zero budget can also be seen as a sign of the Aquino administration’s ’s confidence in its pacification gamble .It seems to be confident that it could pacify without the needed social transformations that hurt the interests of the ruling classes such as : 1)genuine land reform that would hurt big landlords like the Cojuancos, Veloso, 2) protection of national patrimony and national industrialization that would hurt foreign businesses and their partners in and outside the government .

The pacification formula consists in de -basing the NDF revolution by the Philppine government being seen as a government that appears to care even if only sometimes .So, the favorite

J. Colima Bajado

TrajecToriesIt is said that the barangay is the primary government that functions in our political system. In terms of quantity, there are more than 42,000 barangays in the country. On the quantity

of the knowledge of the barangay leaders on their functions, it is a crux.

When I was still connected with the government, I got the chance of meeting hundreds of barangay chairpersons. I have found out several realities in those short conversations with them. Worst thing in general is the indistinct and blurry knowledge they have towards their primary function as barangay officials. In one also of those conversations, I have found out one of the most remarkable and rather deplorable actuality in our political arena: that there is at least one chairperson in the country who is illiterate. And that person confessed to me that neither he can read nor write.

Last month, Sen. Koko Pimentel was quoted saying, ““Local government units in the provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays have reason to celebrate the 20th year of the local government code.” But with the realities that swathe our system, do we have really a reason to celebrate?

Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code was made a law on October 10, 1991 but only became operational on January 1, 1992. This LGC devolved some functions of the national government to local political units—provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays.

It mandates that LGUs get a share in the national revenue, and gives LGUs taxing powers so they can generate more revenues. The Code also sets rules in the creation, merging, and consolidation of local political units and the functions of all the local officials. These facts, sad to say, some of our leaders do not know.

“Since the enactment of the local government code, the

barangay, municipal, city and provincial officials have become so less dependent of the national government in delivering basic services to our people,” Pimentel added. “The provincial, city, municipal and barangay governments have become financially independent because they have become recipients of their just share in the national taxes through internal revenue allotments, Pimentel explained. But with this growing poverty rate in our country, do we have really a reason to celebrate?

In theory, decentralization aspires a fiscal autonomy down to the barangay level. But with a very limited IRA of some barangays, do they really have autonomy towards the implementation of projects in their respective barangays for the benefits of their constituents? Ah, theory, it remains a theory.

Ah, and there is a barangay chairperson who at the same time the wife of the mayor that gets more (ghost) projects in her barangay, leaving other barangays drought of blessings. Is it coincidence? Or is it de facto political oligarchy? Or is it “autonomy”- meaning, leave us alone on what we are doing.

There are barangays who are exemplary, we should credit it. But if those instances above exists, the reason is, matter and manner- means, ignorance and arrogance. Ah, if those instances above really exist, do we have the reason to celebrate? ###

For comments and queries, email me at trajectories_gahum@yahoo.com

Beckoning a fete

For comments, suggestions, and reactions you may also e-mail usat gahumweekly@gmail.com

September is vocation month, a seminarian reminded us in the mass last Sunday, and the Archdiocese of Palo is in dire need of priests, he said.

With only 130 active priests serving around 4 million Catholics in Samar, Leyte, and Biliran, the figures translate to a ratio of one priest catering to the pastoral needs of 30,769 Catholics.

Surprising. This is Catholic Philippines. I wanted the exact figures and the why and I wanted to write the story for a Catholic news agency.

The following day I got the names of the vocation directors in the five dioceses covered by Palo and I was lucky to know a few, who agreed that I send my questions via facebook.

But I was bent on interviewing one of the directors, the nearest to my place. I went to his parish twice to seek an appointment, but he was away leading the vocation campaign.

Yesterday morning I went to the theologate hoping I’ll chance upon some seminarians who will share their thoughts about their vocation, but they were also in the campaign trail.

Two staff, busy counting coins and a nun, who asked me to interview the driver instead, were the only persons I met in the seminary. From the way they answered, it appeared they didn’t want to be disturbed. They were kind enough though to give me the contact number of the vocation director.

Home-bound, in the jeepney, I was thinking maybe the Church will benefit if seminary staff, parish secretaries, and many of its frontline workers will be trained in basic customer service. Courtesy and kindness anyway demand less than Christianity.

And in the Philippines where Catholics are starting to be critical of the Church and the seeming arrogance of some of its representatives, these things will prove beneficial.

From the highway, I took a pedicab home, passing by our community chapel, its bells tolling for the 5:00 pm mass. You should hear mass, I said to the driver. “Eninglis man iton, sir.” (It’s in english, sir), he said.

He drove home a point. The Church doesn’t only need priests to celebrate the mass. It needs to make itself more accessible to people also.

Eric Aseo is a freelance consultant, occassional journalist, and a full-time husband, who's trying to make himself useful to the world.

ni Eric Aseo

Pursuing a Story

This column is for Gahum readers’ thoughts on current events,issues or plain observations in Eastern Visayas.

E-mail us at gahumweekly@gmail.com

PersPecTives

ni Bert Ada

Gios PaGPauswaG

Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of

sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it

has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except all those

others that have been tried from time to time. ~Winston Churchill

November 14-20, 2011 November 14-20, 2011

I don’t want to be misunderstood as one who favored to or is affiliated with any political entity. As a professor in Social Sciences, I believe that my students deserve to be imparted with

concepts contrary to what they have learned from references or experienced from other institutions, provided that such outlooks are within the purview of the lesson as an exercise of academic freedom and citing specific instances of what is happening in society today makes an intellectual pursuit relevant. And as a citizen, I feel I have the moral obligation and civic responsibility to extend the concerns of my profession to the general public in whatever available means, through convictions which may not be in congruence to the trend of times and in opposition to what their “idols” are telling them to believe. Thus, I cannot help making an assertion on certain issues: opinions that sometimes punch a hole in the fabric of ego among assuming personalities in public service.

Lately, some independent-minded press and several conscience sectors criticized a number of top officials of being weaklings and undependable on matters that demand immediate attention. In fact nowadays, the most popular catchphrase among government officials is “. . . pag-aaralan muna nation ito!” whenever certain citizens air grievances or a critical situation crops up. There is nothing wrong if you have to scrupulously analyze in all angles the issue before coming up with a decision. But it is atrocious when such standard is used as an excuse to avenge against political enemies, accrue favors for allies and protégés or cover-up blunders in governance.

A masteral degree in management may not give me total expertise on the concept of leadership but common sense alone dictates that it is unethical, to say the least, when a person in charge delegate a decision-making function to a subordinate yet in the end, the outcome of the latter’s study was simply ignored

Unlearned lessonswaray ako!Prof. Gerry B. de Cadiz

because the former had actually decided for a predetermined course of action. It was alleged that Vice-President Jejomar Binay felt insulted when the recommendation of his committee to inter the body of former President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani was set aside because President Noynoy Aquino thought, after “studying the issue”, that it is unjust to honor somebody who has been accused of misdeeds while in office, no matter if that person was a real soldier who fought against Japanese invaders in WW2, transformed the country ‘from puddles of mud to blocks of concrete’ and enable the Philippines to survive the communist threat at the height of the Cold War. But we have to understand the executive decision because the typical attitude of a ‘pinoy’ who lost a parent due to political machinations is to exact psychologically-painful retributions—“. . . lintik lang ang walang ganti!”

The fuss over Cong. Gloria Arroyo’s request for travel abroad is another case of overacting to a simple concern, and in the process, creating one’s monster-in-the-closet. It is weird to hear that accordingly, there is nothing personal with the decision of the Department of Justice to restrain the former president in consulting with medical experts in other countries. In this instance, well-known constitutionalist Fr. Joaquin Bernas, a lot of legislators, a number of legal experts and even former GMA critics were one in noting that the Executive Branch of Government is showing an undemocratic streak, one that is in contravention to what it has been advertising. The Bill of Rights clearly provides that the right to travel cannot be continued on page 6

impaired except in the interest of national security, public safety, or public health . . . and the only entity that could legally issue such an order is the Supreme Court. Thus, it could be dead serious if, after a satisfactory period of “studying”, P-Noy will opt to uphold the DOJ’s recommendation as it will ensue a public outcry and a constitutional crisis, one that he could ill-afford.

The absurdity here is that it is difficult to fathom the cause of the latent loathing Noynoy has against Arroyo, except probably due to insinuations of some close advisers who unsuccessfully tried to affect a Cabinet coup or when Cory Aquino changed sides and debunked her EDSA 2 protégé amidst allegations of election anomalies in 2004. Or maybe, bigwigs in Malacañang are worried that if the President extend some favors to the Arroyo’s, he would lose his popularity in the country considering that his campaign ace, the one which delivers the votes, was a promise to stomp out those people whom he had identified to be culprits in governance. So, tightening the heavy chain upon the liberties of those still identified with the former administration as well as constantly floating the “corruption” balloon in the air are very necessary, as a matter of political exigency, to maintain a good standing with the people, at the same time eclipsing those real issues and problems in the country which need to be addressed religiously—unemployment, poverty, low quality of education, criminality, environmental destruction and biodiversity degradation, political dominance, and the likes—but taken for granted as these are seemingly not top priorities in the government’s agenda.

Even with these two cases alone, ordinary folks should be on the lookout on how government officials treat our demands. In the region, we have a lot of executives who had adopted already the “official alibi”, that is, taking their time to ponder on and act upon something which is not of their liking and outside of their vested interest, especially when its proponent came from the opposite camp. But if the proposed program or project could add weight to the overflowing purse they hold, they would move mountains for its immediate approval and funding: “. . . mas malaksi pa ha alas-cuatro!”

The issue here is how inheritors of public office, taking advantage of political machinery, media exaggeration or popularity due to the

Jen Garcia

sojourner’s musinGsLetters when grouped and arranged in a certain way create words. When rearranged or set differently they create new meanings. Take the word affection. It means tender

attachment or fondness, a positive word by nature. Insert the word AT between the letters T and I and the word affectation is created. The latter means an attempt to assume what is not real or an artificial behavior. Affectation is a word that reeks of falsehood. Both words though share the same root word which is affect and it refers to the experience of feeling or emotion, to have an influence or bring about change. Indeed, affection and affectation can make anyone experience certain feelings or emotions; be influenced; or, even be changed.

Affection is assumed to be inherent among siblings especially among us Filipinos who grow up with the family as the center of our universes. The older children are constantly reminded of their responsibility to take care of the younger ones and the extent of patience that must be exercised. Younger siblings are continually told to be obedient and respectful towards the older ones. The affection that is inculcated by the adults is assumed to remain even when the siblings get married, have

children of their own, and pursue careers within or outside of the country. Tolerance, compassion and understanding are commonly called for when a sibling commits indiscretion, misdemeanor or any form of wrong doing against the family or society. Older siblings, inspired by their affection for the younger ones, strive so hard to finish college early and get a job so that they could financially support their siblings. Among Filipinos it has become common that the eldest postpones marriage before he or she has sent brothers and sisters to college; it is not an obligation but more of a noble act of affection.

Due to certain reasons or circumstances such as favoritism and lack of opportunity to bond, siblings fail to develop affection.

Affection and Affectation

continued on page 7

continued on page 7

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Gwendolyne from p. 1. . .

than one billion viewers in 150 countries over cable TVs and internet have had seen when Ms. Ruais and other winners romped on the stage during the awarding night.

To recall, Ms. Shamcey Gurrea Supsup, another Filipina, was crowned third runner-up in Miss Universe 2011, September 12 in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

In a report, DepEd came up with DORP to save students from dropping out of the rolls because of financial problems, peace and order issues, and physical handicap, family and health concerns, among others.

DORP offers a menu of alternative delivery modes that aim to keep students in school and finish their basic education.

Simultaneously, the OHSP (Open High School Program) is providing access to all learners who are not capable of coming to school everyday for justifiable reasons. It is a distance education program with unique features like self- directed learning and acceleration by

service to high school students who excel in sports.

Based on his DepEd Order No. 71, s. 2011, 20 percent of the subsidy should go to training of teachers and administrators on relevant topics in sports, 40 percent is for the procurement of sports supplies including athletic uniforms, five percent for the procurement of instructional materials in SPS, 20 percent should be allocated for student development activities such as training, workshops, participation in DepEd-approved competitions in sports including travel allowance, and 15 percent will be for participation in DepEd-sponsored scholarships, professional upgrading of teachers including enrolment in a master’s degree program in sports.

“For us to develop the untapped talent of students in sports, we have to invest training and other sporting needs,” Luistro added.

Luistro said the 17 recipient schools shall receive a fixed allocation of P290,000 and a variable allocation computed at P500 per student.

These schools are also directed to conduct a yearly mentoring program to other schools within the 40 priority divisions in the region which intend to implement the same sports program.

These schools will also be given access to the sports equipment and facilities in order to improve their learning outcomes.

learning area or by year level.This allows working students or previously

out-of-school-youth (OSY) to continue studying using specialized learning modules.

The Schools Initiated Interventions (SII) which is one features of the DORP is also effective since the school itself designs the kind of help a student needs according to his unique circumstances, DepEd said. The SII has enabled schools to determine, based on interview, specific problems of students or the real causes for dropping out.

DepEd also reported that there are nearly 8,000 OHSP graduates of whom 1,355 proceeded to college, 59 went abroad and 719 are employed locally.

Data are still coming in as the DORP team continues to track graduates of the OHSP, DepEd reported.

Over 6,300 DepEd teachers and school officials have been trained on OHSP –DORP.

Meanwhile, records on zero drop-out rate increase among the regions across the country include: Region 1 has 84 high schools which registered a zero drop out; 83 in Region 2; 56 in Region 3; 60 in Region 4A; 35 in Region 4B; 41 in Region 5; 41 in Region 6; 86 in Region 7; 127 in Region 8; 98 in Region 9; 42 in Region 10; 32 in Region 11; 60 in Region 12; 187 in Caraga; 99 in ARMM;39 in CAR; and 24 in NCR. (with reports from DepEd)

The students-beneficiaries of the sports program must continue to participate in national or international competitions.

“Because we want to develop not only their physical prowess but their academic potential as well, we require that our beneficiaries must attain a mean percentage score above the national average in the National Achievement Test,” Luistro said.

The 17 SPS schools are Ilocos Norte National High School in Region I, Cagayan NHS in Region 2, Victoria NHS in Region 3, Lopez National Comprehensive HS in Region 4-A, Palawan National School in Region 4-B, Camarines Sur NHS in Region 5, Iloilo NHS in Region 6, Negros Oriental NHS in Region 7, Palo NHS in Region 8, Zamboanga Sibugay NHS in Region 9, Bukidnon NHS in Region 10, Sto. Tomas NHS in Region 11, General Santos City NHS in Region 12, Bayugan National Comprehensive HS in CARAGA, Datu Paglas NHS in Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao, Tabuk NHS in Cordillera Administrative Region, and Muntinlupa Science HS in the National Capital Region. (with reports from deped.gov.ph)

Melanie l. Bingco hails from Can-avid, Eastern Samar. She is a news reporter of ABS-CBN (TV Patrol) Tacloban.

lingKURanby Melanie L. Bingco

Ginpadpad ko naAn mga tapo-tapo ngaDumukot ha imo.Ginhiram ko paAn im’ tagliligidBangin may’ nalikatan.Naatubang ka ha ak’Yana.Waray bisan ano nga tiagiHan pinahuway ngada;SinandigNagbinirik-birik.Karuyag ko kunta dad-onAn ak mga kamotKundiin dinukot kaninaAn iya mga tudlo.Diin dapit pakakubitAn iya abaga?Kay dadad-on ko ngadtoan ak’ uloIsasapit.Asya ka la gihap’Tikang han iya pag-abotNgada han iya paglakat.Parehas la kita nga duhaNag-uusaan.

Siday

annUnTio VoBiS: Those who are interested to have their SIDAY published in Gahum Weekly, send it to trajectories_gahum@yahoo.com

declaration of Linal-al forests as watershed and a protected area turned futile.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) did not anymore cooperate for the declaration of Linal-an forests as watershed and a protected area, he lamented.

However, he said, their campaign is still going on up to these days and hoping this time the government through the DENR will hear their plight to declare Linal-an forests as a watershed and a protected area. (Restituto A. Cayubit)

Borongan water from p. 3. . .

Culture / News /OpinionNovember 14-20, 2011 November 14-20, 2011

University shared that although he gets no material pay off from such endeavors, he is happy with his “little” contributions to the Waray culture in order to “rediscover our identity- our differences, our similarities, our pluralities- by performing, creating and recreating. I see myself less than a director, but more of cultural worker”, he explains.

Prof. Lianza also hopes that his efforts will gain support especially from art-makers and other cultural workers in the region by bringing Siday to everyone’s consciousness at least.

RE-DAWNING OF SIRANGSirang, literally means dawn, has been established with a social conscience and with performing arts as its medium. But coming up with remarkable performances have never been simple.

Current members of STE have to trounce the stern rehearsals of their uncompromising director. Dessa Reyes shared that she was startled at first, every time the “feisty” sir Joey (as he is called) would screech to her puerile acting performance. But as she become proficient on her acting skills, “I think shouting is equal to motivating”, Dessa added with a smirk.

Surely, after successfully popularizing zarzuela and pastores, Prof. Lianza and the STE is dawning again another kick in our culture and the Waray ethos as a whole.

MOVING BACk IN ORDER TOMOVE FORWARD“Claiming our context and meaning as peoples is like a journey. We should go back in order to move forward. We cannot move forward if we don’t take a look on our past, because it is from the past that we learn who we are- who we were used to be, who we are now, and who we are

Revitalizing siday from p. 8 . . .

becoming”, this is his reply when asked where is Siday now and where are is it going?

Prof. Lianza hopes that through the Sinirangan Theater Ensemble’s performances of poems in

Waray, he help not only popularize the poem of the writer but more of popularizing the language and the stories that every poem tells- the stories of the Warays.

Sold!

Sold!

preeminence of their kinfolks, would wantonly dispose of their functions not for the interest of the people but in maintaining their hold to power while enhancing the mysticism surrounding their personality. What is disgusting is that even if certain actuations of these gods-that-be were already malicious and inimical to public interest, so many Filipinos still persist in believing that the decisions and actions of their “superstars” were right, and anyone who oppose to it should be branded as enemy of the state.

Ideally, leaders in society, by nature of their official function, must always meet our demands as it is, without regard to political affiliation or social influence. Their decisions and actions should not be derailed by petty justifications such as “studying further the matter . . .” as it only delays

Waray ako! from p. 5. . .

Mayor Kwan urges businessmen to invest in Guiuan

gUIUAN, Eastern Samar. The mayor of this town is inviting investors to invest in this municipality particularly in tourism related business.

Guiuan Mayor Analiza Gonzales-Kwan told reporters in an interview at her office her that there is a steady increase in the number of local and foreign tourists her town for the past years.

Kwan said that this present development is the positive results of her efforts in investing in tourism and promoting her town to the national and international scene to attract more tourists to visit her municipality.

“The local government of Guiuan has been promoting Guiuan over the years to attract local, national and foreign tourists and we are now reaping the fruits of our endeavor. We are now observing positive gains and tourism brings progress and development to our municipality,” Kwan told reporters.

She opined that is it expected that more tourists are to visit her town at the time when the airport of Guiuan will be fully operational pointing that even at present, that there is no

operational airport yet, tourist arrivals in this town is increasing in number at present.

Kwan attributed to the increase of tourists’ arrivals to the beautiful sceneries of her town to include the beaches, historical markers and the famous Calico-an Island particularly the surfing areas of the Island .

Kwan disclosed that the latest Surfing competition in Calico-an island resulted to the fully booked of hotels and other accommodations in the town.

She pointed out that with the steady increase of tourists visiting her town, there is a problem of accommodation and her town needs more hotels to accommodate the influx of tourists.

She said that investing in tourism related business in her town is profitable considering that her local government unit will continue promoting Guiuan and inviting tourists to visit Guiuan.

She added that she is working hard in making Guiuan as one of the prime tourists’ destinations in Eastern Visayas.

" Promoting Guiuan is our priority program." (Restituto A. Cayubit)

Sacred Heart Seminary Batch 87 / 91: Still Holds The Record Number of Priests ProducedPALO, Leyte. The Sacred Heart Seminary Batch 1987 / 1991 produced a record high of 15 priests by any batch in the history of the seminary.

The revelation came as the batch sponsors the 2012 Alumni Homecoming of the Sacred Heart Seminary on September 13-15, 2012 at the seminary grounds Palo, Leyte.

The sponsoring batch, those who graduated high school in 1987 and college in 1991, tries to rekindle seminary life as it happens in the eighties and nineties when it welcomes all alumni of the seminary to the said event.

The event kicks off with a series of activities aimed at promoting the institution and vocation to the priesthood among the youth of Leyte.

“Ecclesiastical upheavals of the Church….have ripple effect on converting more vocation

In order though to retain the approval of parents and the elders in the family, an affectation for such is crafted when the children are younger. As they grow older, become more independent and get a greater share of life’s challenges less any favorable circumstances that would augment sibling relations, the affectation disintegrates and becomes dangerous. There are brothers who shot or physically assault their brothers over a piece of land, an insulting remark, or a woman. There are sisters who had written off their sisters over bitter words, gossips, or criticisms.

Recently the national channels and newspapers had been full of news, opinions and other articles regarding the death of Ramgem Revilla and the alleged involvement of two of his siblings in the commission of his murder. People gathered in small groups in restaurants, public transportations, and even in the privacy of their

menu: the 4Ps, support to NPA surrenderees, some civic and armed actions instead of policies /laws/program that would ensure long term(the operative word are ensure long term) that people live with dignity because they are educated/trained to work in progressive farms , factories, offices or other work areas to which they have access and tenure.

If and when the insurgency is defeated without eradicating the poverty causing situation such as the landlesness of millions of our farmers, its back to good old times for the landlords. As usual, millions of peasants stay in poverty. Chastised. Contented to suffer. Till there is again the courage to work together to liberate themselves from poverty. Peacefully if possible. If not, through another round of armed insurgency. But this would be After Aquino has been hailed a hero for peace and development. Some or even many may not agree.

Sojourner... from p. 5. . . Gios... from p. 5. . .

to the priesthood. The first visit of Pope John Paul II to the country in 1981 inspired many to enter priesthood as data showed. The 1992 World Youth Day in Manila drew lots of youth to enter the seminary. Interestingly, these inspiring events seemed to mark an increase in numbers to those becoming priests in the years ahead. The vocation awareness in the early eighties and early nineties was high that many young men entered the seminary and became priests,” Msgr. Pepe Quitorio, CBCP Director for Media Affairs, himself an alumnus of Sacred Heart Seminary, said.

Indeed, making young people aware of the “great harvest” and the need for “more laborer” to the harvest, still inspires many to become priests.

Traditionally, an alumni of Sacred Heart Seminary is called a Paisano, an Italian word

meaning country man or someone coming from the same locality.

Through the years, all students of Sacred Heart Seminary have been known as Pais or Paisanos.

Next year’s homecoming of Paisano will coincide with the 75th year Diamond Anniversary of the Archdiocese of Palo as a Diocese.

“Hopefully, we can assemble our beloved Paisano-Bishops to join us in momentous event,” Jav Billones, Batch President, aspired.

Sacred Hear Seminary at present has produced four (4) Bishops, namely Bishop Salvador T. Modesto, Emeritus Bishop of San Carlos, Negros Oriental, Bishop Nereo L. Ochdimar, Bishop of Tandag, Surigao Del Sur, Bishop Leonardo Medroso, Bishop of Tagbilaran, Bohol and Bishop Filomeno Bactol, Bishop of Naval. (PR)

The Alumni Homecoming is an annual activity of the Sacred Heart Seminary. The 2012 Alumni Homecoming will carry the theme “Pais, balik”.

For details of the activity, pls. contact Jay Villones, at (02) 813-2467 / 0918-945-7924 or email us at shsbatch87@yahoo.com.

homes speculate as to the events that brought about this sadness to the Revilla family. When the two siblings became the prime suspects there was a general and shared aghast. Some said that the victim must have been such a bad person that his siblings had him murdered. Others said that the siblings must be very bad persons because they had their brother murdered.

Their story is not unique because in the history of human race, stories of fratricide have been told and one of the most well-known is that of Cain and Abel. In Roman mythology, Romulus killed Remus over who had the blessing of the gods. There was a time when a new Sultan of the Ottoman Empire started his reign by imprisoning his living brothers and commanded to have them strangulated once he had produced a male heir. Whatever the real story is, it is their story. Whatever their story though, it must be about affection and affectation.

But, what the heck? XxxxDr.Yohann Kae Panis, daughter of Atty. Peter

and Dettie Panis, is an international award winner for her research in skin allergy. Given her training and her drive for excellence, she would become an outstanding dermatologist that people from Tacloban/Eastern Visayas/Philippines would be proud of and hopefully grateful to because of her services to them.

But outstanding as she is, her contribution to our development is constricted by the lack of govt.support . According to Dr. Panis, researchers in lndia are well supported by their government. Not so in her award winning research.

Given her talent and drive, If properly supported , she could be a big player in the research on the use of our local resources in dermatology. What a loss.

Comments are welcome at bertada@gmail.com

something that has no reason not to be done right away. Are they not tired of the “mañana habit” which decelerate any movement we have for development? But then, delaying tactic and a sudden strike has been a foolproof strategy for politicians to dominate and advance in their regime.(For your comments/feedback on this article, please send it to gbdecadiz.waray@gmail.com)

Members of Sirang Theater Ensemble poses with the writer (sitting, second from left). Also in the photo is assisting Director, Nick Baquit (standing rightmost).

Members of Sirang Theater Ensemble.

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DepEd "PASIDUNGOG" with the theme: " Behind the Success of Every School are Engaged Stakeholders." (In Photos) DepEd Regional Director Luisa Bautista-Yu, Ph.D. welcome Message and Introduction of the Guest of Honor, DepEd Secretary Hon. Br. Armin Luistro as Keynote Speaker. and other awardess: Hon. Florencio "Bem" Noel Representative, An Waray party list, Board Member Roque Tiu representing the governor of Leyte Jericho "Icot" Petilla, Mayor Loreto Yu of Alang-alang, Leyte, Mayor Emeliana Picardo Villacarillo, Mayor of Dolores Eastern Samar, Governor Conrado Nicart Jr. , Governor of Eastern Samar, Hon. Jerry S. Uy Sangguniang Panglunsod Tacloban City. Awarding of Plaques of Recognation

to DepEd 8 Stakeholders By Sec. Armin A. Luistro Assisted by RD Yu, ARD Escobarte and Schools Division Superintendents *Congressmen, Governors, City And Municipal Mayors other LGUs, NGOs, NGAs, PTAs, Business Organization, Alumni Associations, Private Foundations and Cooperatives, Philanthropic Individuals and groups, School Site Donors, Local and international Humanitarian Organizations, Filipino Communities/ Organizations and Individuals Abroad. Response from Stakeholders, Hon. Remedios L. Petilla Mayor of Palo, Leyte, Hon. Carmen L Carry, Hon. Mel SEnen Sarmento and Hon. Florencio G. Noel. (Text and Photos by Melchor Caspe)

Revitalizing Siday: Joey Lianzaand the Sirang Theater Ensemble

8 Culture November 14-20, 2011

Siday, kandu, haya, balac, bical, ambahan, and awit are forms of poetry our prehispanic folks take pride. But today, only Siday is

known among Waray speakers. Sad thing is, very few reads siday (poem).

It is for this reason why Prof. Jose N. Lianza pledged to share his aptitude in theater by conjoining the elements of theater and poetry. Known for reviving Waray culture, by restaging plays of foremost Waray playwright Illuminado Lucente as well as popularizing zarzuela and pastores, Lianza directed a poetry performance in the recently concluded Pasidungog Eduardo Makabenta Sr. Para Han Siday, the equivalent of Palanca Awards in Waray literary scene.

“AND THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH”Voltaire Q. Oyzon, himself a poet, commended the poetry performance of the Sirang Theater Ensemble (STE). “Siguro tikang yana, kinahanglan gud ig perform iton siday, kay mas nabubuhi. Bagat an pulong ba, nabubutangan hin unod” (From now on, I think siday should be performed because the performance gives life to it. Just like (bible quote) the word was made

flesh), Oyzon added.“ N a m a r a h i y a w

an ak barahibo” (I experienced goose bumps), said another poet Noel Lopido when he saw one of his poems performed. Ms. Bebeth Alunan, granddaughter of the late Eduardo Makabenta Sr. agreed with Lopido and furtherly claimed that “indeed poetry performance is way way better than just plainly reading it.”

The winning poems of the annual Pasidungog Makabenta will then be performed by the members of STE on the 13th of October every year, in honor of the Waray poet Eduardo Makabenta Sr.’s birthday.

CULTURAL WORkER THAN DIRECTORProf. Lianza, director of the Cultural Affairs and Special Projects Office of the Leyte Normal

by J. Colima Bajado

continued on page 7

The Sirang Theater Ensemble in action. During the Pasidungog Eduardo Makabenta Sr. Para Han

Siday, HRDC, LNU, Tacloban City. last October. Prof. Joey Lianza, and the man behind Sirang(inset).